LITTLE GUIDES TO GREAT LIVES: STEPHEN HAWKING & MAYA ANGELOU

“God puts rainbows in the clouds so that each of us- in the dreariest and most dreaded moments- can see a possibility of hope” – Maya Angelou

“However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at“- Stephen Hawking.

Even though this is a time of great sadness and struggle for many children and families around the world, it might be a good moment to reflect on how great personalities have overcome challenging lives and learn from their life experiences.

Both Maya Angelou and Stephen Hawking faced strong obstacles, but with strength, courage, hardship, intelligence, and hope they developed their unique talents and skills. I think this is perhaps the greatest lesson we can learn from their remarkable stories.

“Little Guides to Great Lives” is a brand new series of small-format illustrated books for children (aged 7 to 12 years old) written by the awarded author Isabel Thomas and colorfully illustrated by Marianna Madriz.

“Little Guides to Great Lives: Maya Angelou” is the perfect introduction to the great African-American author, poet, playwright and civil rights activist. The book teaches children how Maya Angelou never took “no” for an answer, and how she used her voice to overcome many difficulties, “leaving a legacy of kindness, art, compassion, and determination“.

It is a special book that encourages children to change the world, use their voice to help others, and fight prejudice.

Little Guides to Great Lives: Stephen Hawking is the biography for children of this legendary scientist. Diagnosed with a motor neuron disease, Stephen Hawking through incredible determination changed the way we think about the universe. Children are introduced to his ground-breaking research into black holes, the Big Ban, and his hard questions about space and time.

This book is also a personal approach to his life with disabilities, and it also teaches children that even a genius like Stephen Hawking “didn’t get everything right and even changed his mind about some of his own ideas“.

Both books are fun to read and brightly designed, introducing these inspirational figures in an accessible way to children. Each book includes a timeline of their lives and a complete glossary related to their field of work.

Some other titles of this extraordinary collection include the biographies of Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, Leonardo da Vinci, Nelson Mandela, Charles Darwin, and Ferdinand Magellan, among others.